Why does moving my arm across my body cause shoulder pain?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain when moving your arm across your body is often caused by shoulder conditions such as bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs cushioning the joint) or tendinopathy (irritation or degeneration of the rotator cuff tendons). Other possible causes include impingement, AC joint dysfunction, or a labral tear. Because these conditions share overlapping symptoms but require different treatments, identifying the root cause matters. To get clarity fast, take a free, instant, online symptom check—it can help you understand what's likely going on and guide your next steps toward relief.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover what’s causing shoulder pain Learn if arm movement pain is serious See possible causes of your shoulder pain Find OTC relief for shoulder pain Find a doctor for shoulder pain Understand medically valid home remedies Find out if it needs care

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Explanation

When you feel pain moving your arm, it could be due to problems in your shoulder. One possible cause is scapulothoracic bursitis, which involves inflammation in the area where your shoulder blade moves over your ribs. This can cause discomfort and pain, especially with certain arm movements.

Another possible reason for shoulder pain is tendinopathy, which happens when the tendons in your shoulder become irritated or damaged. Physical therapy can help manage this condition by strengthening the tendons and improving shoulder function.

If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain, try our free symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and determine whether you should consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

(References)

Boneti C, Arentz C, & Klimberg VS. (2010). Scapulothoracic bursitis as a significant cause of breast .... Annals of surgical oncology, 20853053.
Chen HJ, Chuang HC, Xu GX, Chen C, Su WR, & Huang CC. (2024). Wearable Ultrasound Imaging Device for Dynamic Dual .... IEEE transactions on ultrasonics, ferroelectrics, and frequency control, 38163298.
Cooper K, Alexander L, Brandie D, Brown VT, Greig L, Harrison I, et al. (2023). Exercise therapy for tendinopathy: a mixed-methods .... Health technology assessment (Winchester, England), 37929629.

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